MA-Thesis in Sociology

The course is a second-cycle advance course.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Programme for Master in Sociology (S2SOC).

Admission to the course requires a bachelor's degree in social science and a passing grade in second-cycle courses corresponding to at least 45 higher education credits in sociology, of which at least 15 credits for an advanced course and 15 credits in research methods. Language skills equivalent to English level 2/English B/English 6, for example equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS, are also required.

The course basically comprises the student implementing an investigation and writing an essay for 30 credits under the the guidance of a supervisor. Supervision comprises primarily of meetings where the student's text basis is commented on and discussed. In an initial phase the supervisor can also assist with the focus of the essay, research questions and structure.

After completing the course, the student shall be able to present and defend a degree project with a clear and precise specialisation. The student shall demonstrate through their work a significant level of knowledge and a basis in theory and research within the sociological area of knowledge and also be able to describe and analyse social phenomena with high methodological and analytical skill and independence.

Specifically the student shall be able to:

• delimit, formulate and perform a research task relevant to theory within the area and for the issue chosen, with a high level of independence and within given time frames
• identify their need for further knowledge and by using adequate methods search for, compile and process empirical material relating to a social phenomenon, and also demonstrate a capacity to systemically integrate knowledge and analyse complex phenomena and issues
• conduct their own independent high-quality assessments of research and development work considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects and also demonstrate those skills required to be able to participate in development work and independent work in other qualified national and international contexts
• independently write and defend an academic paper that has a clear basis in sociological and other social scientific research and that contributes to knowledge in the field of study
• independently conduct a public discussion and examination and position the work of others in a wider theoretical perspective.

Teaching on the course is mainly in the form of tutoring. However, lectures, seminars, and other forms of teaching may also occur.

Language of instruction: English. Written assignments may be submitted in English or Swedish.

The examination of the course takes place by the student writing an independent scientific work that is presented and discussed at a seminar. During the seminar, students defend their work and also review other students' corresponding work.

Completion of examined student performance may be permitted.

Restrictions regarding the use of generative AI are specified on the learning platform or equivalent. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the current rules for examination elements such as assignments, seminar assignments and exams in the course in question.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are communicated in the course guide (or equivalent), and the assessment is communicated as a written examination protocol.

The course coordinator ensures that course participants are given the opportunity to carry out a course evaluation. A summary of the results and any changes to the course shall be made available to the students who carried out the course evaluation and to the students who will start the course.